A new Guideline from the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) provides information for designing filtration systems to eliminate trace amounts (less than 1 ppmv) of airborne molecular contamination (AMC). As noted in IEST-G-CC035.1: Design Considerations for Airborne Molecular Contamination Filtration Systems in Cleanrooms and Other Controlled Environments, AMC can affect processes in industries such as microelectronics, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and nanotechnology. The need for AMC control may apply to safety requirements, process yield improvements, odor control, and other situations.

IEST-G-CC035.1 discusses applications, potential points of use, filtration methods, materials of construction, performance comparison, and follow-up assessment. The Guideline also covers secondary impacts of the filters on the rest of the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, and exterior impacts on the filtration system (including environmental conditions, upsets, and spills). In addition to cleanroom facilities, the document provides a framework for applications such as laminar flow stations, minienvironments, isolators, and glove boxes.

For more information or to order IEST-RP-CC035.1, visit www.iest.org.